Chavismo Lives!

Venezuelans expect no less. They want no part of their ugly past. They'll put their bodies on the line to prevent it. They did before. They'll do it again.

Bolivarianism is policy. It's vital to preserve. It's polar opposite neoliberal harshness. America and Venezuela are constitutional worlds apart. More on that below.

On March 5, word came at 4:45PM. Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced it. "We have just received the most tragic and awful information," he said. Hugo Chavez Frias died. "It's a moment of deep pain."

"The people united will never be defeated." Oligarchs "will never return" to the Miraflores Palace.

Jimmy Carter praised Chavez. Hell "be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment," he said.

James Petras said he "was loved not only by Venezuelans but throughout Latin America" and elsewhere. He was special. He'll be sorely missed.

In his last letter to Maduro, Fidel Castro said "Chavez's name is known and respected throughout the world." He called him the "Olympic champion of new socialist ideas."

Chavez called Castro his father, mentor and friend. He's "always been a Quixote," he said, "but a victorious and invincible Quixote."

Both men bonded years ago. They met in Havana. They did so in 1994. Chavez sought Castro's advice.

Cuba's leader recognized a potentially important new figure. They exchanged ideas for hours. The rest is history.

Fidel lives at 86. Chavez passed at 58. His 14-year presidency ended. In 30 days, new elections will be held. New leadership will be chosen.

Odds strongly favor Maduro. Chavez named him his preferred successor. Expect Venezuelans to oblige overwhelmingly. They want no part of opposition oligarch rule.

He "died in the hours of this Tuesday afternoon." Maduro announced it. He called on Venezuelans "to confront the lamentable death of the President of the Republic 'with much strength, courage and integrity.' "

"We have to be more united than ever, the greatest discipline, the greatest collaboration, the greatest brotherhood and sisterhood," he added.

"We are going to grow. We are going to be the worthy sons and daughters of the giant of a man that he was and how Comandante Hugo Chavez will always be in our memory."

"The victory of today is the unity of the people and peace."

"Respect and peace have to go hand in hand in the immense pain of this historic tragedy which has today touched our country."

Maduro urged fortitude and prayer. "From this moment on," he said, "it is forbidden to weep."

"With Ali’s song and the spirit of Hugo Chavez, let us raise the greatest forces of this homeland to confront the difficulties it befalls us to confront."

"Our people can be assured that they have a government of men and women committed to protect them."

"Honor and glory to Hugo Chavez. May he live forever."

He had four cancer operations in 18 months. Death came 21 months after his first tumor was discovered. A state funeral is planned. It'll be held Friday. Venezuelans began seven days of mourning.

Chavez "led the progressive transformation of Venezuela by lifting millions of its citizens from poverty - standing against social exclusion, marginalization and institutional repression - thereby restoring to them a long-overdue dignity."

He improved "the (lives) of ordinary Venezuelans as no other government had ever done in the history of that South American nation."

He "played a leading role in the transformation of Latin America into a progressive continent, which in the 21st century is collectively affirming the sovereignty of the nation states that make it up, and where, in different ways and through nationally-specific routes, they have been attempting to build a better world."

He'll "continue to symbolize, for decades to come, the aspirations of dignity, sovereignty, justice and a better life as fully empowered citizens, for people all around the world."

"He showed that a better world could be constructed."

"Our hearts go to his family, friends, comrades, the people of Venezuela, and the people of Latin America."

They include education to the highest levels, quality healthcare, subsidized food and housing, land reform, respect for indigenous rights, job training, micro credit, affordable electricity and cooking gas, gasoline at 5 cents a liter, and other social, economic, and political benefits.

Americans get neoliberal harshness, force-fed austerity, growing poverty, high unemployment, unaddressed homelessness and hunger, and a government beholden solely to wealth and powerful interests.

Chavez institutionalized change. Major ones take time. He planned so much more. Maduro's entrusted to continue what he began.

America's unfit to live in. Wealth, privilege and power are prioritized. Police state laws govern. Bipartisan complicity plans much worse ahead. Venezuelans are governed by officials who care.

It makes a difference. Maduro's entrusted to continue Chavez's mandate. Hopefully he's up to the challenge. His background suggests so. He's a former union leader, legislator, National Assembly Speaker and Foreign Minister.

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